Betty Brown, aged 92 and hailing from Consett, County Durham, has been acknowledged in the New Year Honours List for her unwavering advocacy on behalf of postmasters affected by the Post Office scandal. Over 900 sub-postmasters faced wrongful prosecution due to errors in the Horizon IT system, falsely implicating them in embezzlement cases.
Following a public inquiry into the issue, it was revealed that 59 victims contemplated suicide, with 10 attempting to end their lives. Chairman Sir Wyn Williams highlighted that 13 individuals likely took their lives as a result of the immense suffering they endured.
Betty Brown, who operated the Annfield Plain Post Office alongside her late husband Oswall between 1985 and 2003, was among the initial victims who participated in the legal action against the Post Office led by Sir Alan Bates. She estimated a loss of approximately £100,000 of their personal funds to cover nonexistent shortfalls.
This past Christmas marked the first time in 26 years that Betty Brown could enjoy a worry-free holiday after finally receiving compensation through a government scheme.
Expressing her feelings about being awarded an OBE, Betty mentioned feeling honored and overwhelmed by the recognition. She humbly acknowledged her ordinary background and emphasized that the honor was dedicated to all the sub-postmasters impacted by the scandal.
In a separate recognition, D-Day veteran Mervyn Kersh expressed his gratitude for receiving a British Empire Medal (BEM) for his educational efforts on Holocaust remembrance and his service during wartime. Reflecting on his experiences at Bergen-Belsen concentration camp as a young British Jewish soldier, Kersh stressed the importance of remembrance to prevent history from repeating itself.
Among other notable recipients, Ellen Roome, 49, received an MBE for her advocacy on online safety following the tragic loss of her son Jools. Ryan Riley, 32, was awarded a BEM for establishing Life Kitchen, a cookery school aiding individuals who have lost their sense of taste and smell. Serena Wiebe, 21, received a BEM for her activism against knife crime, inspired by personal tragedies involving her brother and friend.
Sandra Igwe, aged 36, from Sidcup, south-east London, was honored with an MBE for her efforts with the Motherhood Group to enhance maternal healthcare for black women. Sandra highlighted the importance of raising awareness and advocating for improved healthcare standards, emphasizing that her work has not been in vain.
These recognitions underscore the dedication and resilience of individuals striving to make a positive impact in their communities and beyond.